“One of the problems of Europe – which is the explanation for this populist reaction like a Brexit – is that this Europe is not desired any longer. And it does not create desire.”

“This is because the pattern it shows is so sad, so grey, so technical and so technocratic,” he said.

“And why is it as such? Because it does not make enough space for dreams and ideas and values, and so on."

Mr Henri-Levy, who is known simply as “BHL” in France, has previously described Europe as “on the edge of being destroyed” and in a “state of emergency.”

And the 67-year-old said he feared that Europe would be brought even closer to collapse if Britain voted to leave the EU.

“My concern will be for both the people of the UK and of Europe,” he said, “I have read articles warning that it could cause a lot of unemployment, and that is a risk.”

He also said he worried that Britain might drift away from France if it left the EU, which has spurred him to join the Hexagon Society, an intellectual circle for thinkers from both countries run by entrepreneur Sophie Weisenfeld.

“At this time of Brexit, it is becoming one of the bridges between the UK and France, and therefore between the UK and Europe,” he said.